Developers join forces in bid for green belt homes
DEVELOPERS have teamed up to try and secure permission to build up to 92 new homes on a green belt site in Macclesfield.
Jones Homes North West and Redrow Homes have submitted a joint planning application to Cheshire East Council for land off Congleton Road, near Gawsworth.
Proposals are at the outline stage – seeking to agree the principle of development before specific details are agreed at a later date – and also include a new access roundabout.
The 6.7 hectare site was part of the green belt but was released to be allocated for housing along with another 20 hectares. Together they are earmarked for 300 homes and 10 hectares of employment land.
A statement prepared between the developers and the council says that release of the green belt was ‘necessary to enable the provision of sufficient housing’.
Although few details have been revealed -these will come later -the homes will have between one and five bedrooms and be no more than three stories tall, according to plans.
It is also stated that the affordable housing element of the scheme will be 30 per cent.
A report from consultants Lichfields, submitted with the application, says: “This scale of development is considered to be in-keeping with that of the surrounding area and maximises the potential of the site, sustainable planning.
“House sizes will be mixed across the development, with details of specific house types provided as part of future applications for reserved matters approval.
“The scheme represents an efficient and effective use of the site.
“Jones Homes and Redrow’s approach to representing land use community engagement has been inclusive, comprehensive and transparent.”
Ahead of the application being submitted leaflets were sent to 1,000 nearby homes as part of public consultation, according to the report.
Concerns then raised by residents included loss of wildlife, increased traffic and additional pressure on local infrastructure such as school places.
The report says plans have been amended in response to comments made in the consultation.
Now the application has been submitted comments and views can be submitted until September 29 and a decision is expected by November.